A New Kind of Pear-ing: USA Pears and Blue StarDonuts Spotlight Pear on the Menu

Collaboration puts pear front and center in bakery and beverage menus this fall

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 1, 2026 – As fruit-forward flavors continue to appear across coffee shops, bakery and restaurant menus, USA Pears is making the case for one fruit with untapped potential: the pear. USA Pears is partnering locally with Portland-based Blue Star Donuts to launch two limited-time menu items that demonstrate the culinary versatility of pears and how they can move beyond the produce aisle in delicious and innovative ways. The Pear Lavender Fritter and Pear Lavender Lemonade will be available Sept. 1-30 at Blue Star’s four Portland locations, including its airport location at PDX.

The menu items feature two pear varieties selected for their distinct culinary qualities. The Pear Lavender Fritter uses Bosc pears, whose low-moisture and firm texture offer subtle flavor and a taste of the state fruit in every bite. The pear’s natural sweetness complements brown sugar, lavender, honey, smoked salt and Wild Roots Pear Vodka in Blue Star’s signature brioche dough. The Pear Lavender Lemonade calls for sweeter, juicier Bartlett pears, which balances the tart lemon in this refreshing beverage.

“Oregon grows exceptional pears, and as our state fruit, they’re a natural fit for a collaboration that celebrates the creativity and flavors of the Pacific Northwest,” said Katie Poppe, founder and CEO of Blue Star Donuts. “The Pear Lavender Fritter and Lemonade gave us a chance to play with two different pear varieties in completely different ways, and we love how each brings something unique to the final product.”

For USA Pears, the collaboration is a proof point for the broader opportunity pears present across foodservice. Pears can bring natural sweetness, distinct flavor and versatility to bakery and breakfast items, beverages, and other menu applications, creating opportunities for operators to put a fresh spin on a familiar fruit.

“Working with a Portland brand like Blue Star Donuts gives us an opportunity to showcase locally grown pears during peak harvest season and introduces pears to a broader audience,” said CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears. “Pears are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and this collaboration shows what’s possible when different pear varieties are used in creative ways. We hope it inspires more chefs and foodservice operators to consider how pears can transform menus and trends.”

Oregon and Washington grow 12 varieties of pears, offering a range of flavors, textures and culinary uses, from the quintessential sweet and juicy Bartlett to the crisper, more tart Anjou. The collaboration celebrates the arrival of a new crop while highlighting the dedication of the Pacific Northwest grower community.